Why Kurt Seyit ve Sura Should Be Your New Netflix Binge Watch

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Every time I fall in love with a great period film or series and realize there’s no more episodes left I always think, “That’s it. I’ve seen them all. Nothing will ever be what (Downton Abbey, Poldark, fill-in-your-favorite-here) was to me!” But I’m usually wrong and there’s a new favorite waiting to be discovered.

Lovers of binge-worthy historical dramas, hear ye, hear ye: I have a new favorite that you’ve gotta see.

But it does require reading subtitles for all 46 episodes. Are you opposed to subtitles?

Of course not! Subtitles are charming!

Great, I agree. Lest you think I’m sharing this gem selflessly, I’m basically writing this because nobody seems to know about this show and I need about 8000 people to discuss it with yesterday. 100% selfish endeavor.

So here it is: Kurt Seyit ve Sura. It’s a Turkish series, available on Netflix, set during and after WWI centering on the love story of a Russian aristocrat (Sura–pronounced “Shura”) and a Crimean lieutenant (Seyit) fighting for the Tsar. Since I was a nerdy homeschooler who checked out every book on the Romanovs available at my local library at age 10, KSvS’s setting is a dream come true. Then as the plot drives the characters from Russia to Crimea to Turkey, I learned so much about Turkish culture which I knew embarrassingly little about.

The story is based on real events. In fact, the series is drawn from novels written by the real Kurt Seyit’s granddaughter, Nermin Bezmen. She did extensive research to write her books including finding Sura’s sister, Tina (another character in the story) in her final years and interviewing her.

If you’re like me and very much into historical shows with elaborate costuming, romance, and a side of melodrama, then this one’s for you. It took me several weeks to finish the series (it is 46 hour-long episodes, after all) and it’s very much in the same vein as the recent (and fabulous) production of War and Peace.

Some of the show will feel a little quirky to audiences used to American and British shows. Halfway into the series random voiceovers begin and there’s a couple of awkwardly placed and completely unexplained scenes of actors playing Nermin Bezman interviewing Tina. There are lots of unfortunate moustaches, a few weird dream sequences, and the hair and make up is often very anachronistic. But the music and cinematography are wonderful.

Here’s what to expect:

Everyone is beautiful.

There’s no way you can talk about this show without just getting straight to the point and admitting that this cast is full of seriously gorgeous folks.

Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ plays Seyit Eminof and I’m very confused why he is not cast in every movie ever. He wears the heck out of a beard and swaggers through Russia and Turkey.

Farah Zeynep Abdullah plays lovable Sura and I had to keep reminding myself that she was not Lily James playing Natasha.

TWINSIES, right?!

Seyit and Sura really carry the show and are fascinating characters. Both flawed but likable and undergoing heartbreaking experiences of war, loss of family, and betrayal. But pretty much every cast member is stunning. Even the villains. I don’t know how they found all of the world’s most beautiful people to be in one show, but well done, casting director.

So much vodka is consumed.

Hats, coats, and veils a plenty

And as the setting moves to Crimea and Turkey the women wear beautiful veils. (The men don unfortunate moustaches so let’s just focus on the pretty veils.) But the costuming in the entire show is on point. And because the scenes vary from imperial Russian ballrooms to tiny apartments in Istanbul, the styles change drastically.

Emotional Train Scenes

No one does heartwrenching train platform goodbyes like Kurt Seyit ve Sura.

Everybody cries a lot.

Like a lot a lot. Everyone is always crying. I don’t know if this is a cultural thing or if it’s just a melodramatic TV show thing. But every character cries at least 583984734838972 times over the course of the show. Except Evil Petro. Evil Petro only smirks. Always.

Very Over the Top Romance.

The show is super clean. Maybe because of Turkish TV regulations? I don’t know, but I appreciated that it wasn’t full of gratuitous sex scenes. Thumbs up, Turkey. But the romance is absurdly over the top. Which makes for a fun show. And a LOT of staring into people’s eyes.

So if you’re ready to have your heart broken by Russian tragedy and learn some Turkish (Ok, so all I picked up was “hello,” “yes,” “no,” and “I hope so,” but at least that’s something) get thee to Netflix and enjoy and then come back here so we can discuss EVERYTHING. Thank you, kindly.

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Comments

This looks right up my alley! The only thing is, would it be more seasonally appropriate to watch in winter? I recently (when it was still chilly out) watched the BBC version of North and South (based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel). Set in Northern England, where it’s apparently always cold and snowing, winter was the perfect time of year to watch. It’s also only 4 episodes (1 hr each) and you’ll basically have to binge watch because it’s so beautiful. Did I mention that I re-watched the final episode 4 times? Because it’s so beautiful. It could probably be an entire podcast discussion too.

Also, you and Christy are always looking for good (Catholic) novels. I’m almost finished with Don Camillo’s World (a compilation of all the Don Camillo books) by Giovanni Guareschi, published in the 50s and 60s. Set in Italy, the books are full of short stories about Don Camillo, a Catholic priest and his friendly rival, the Communist mayor Peppone. Antics Ensue. And the townspeople…they are everywhere!

So I JUST finished the series (this blog cracked me up – so on target with everything, haha) AND I am also reading Don Camillo, so I had to comment because it was too weird and awesome to pass up 🙂

I didn’t realize it was a true story, which makes it even more heart-wrenching, and I just read on another site that the real Seyit ended his life (Lord have mercy, may he rest in peace) because he couldn’t be with Sura. I’m not typically an emotionally person, but this story really hit me (despite the cheese-factor with the over-the-top romance and all).

I definitely recommend this series to anyone and everyone. As long as you can overlook the crazy moustaches 😉

Ha! I love all the points you have made! It is so romantic that at times the subtitles are like pure poetry, I LOVE how they (Seyit and Sura) speak to or about each other, it always surprises me how they choose to express their love in words….I think that’s why I appreciate the creativity and challenge that NOT having Steamy R rated scenes gives to many period films…it takes GREAT writing on behalf of these movies and series to convey great love! The history here is very sad though I must say, it has made me even more sympathetic to any and all refugees.

Wow ! One can only wonder if such love exists now ! But there were moments when i felt that lovers cud have put their ego and unnecessary doubts aside and just marry , after a while it seems a little drag ! But yes love can be through eyes

I started watching this after you mentioned it in a post a couple of weeks ago. I’m only on episode 5 or 6 because I usually do my binge watching while doing other things and that isn’t possible with this due to the subtitles!! I’m really enjoying it though and plan to continue the series. I agree with everything you said above. I always enjoy watching movies and reading books that immerse me in a time and place I know very little about.

It actually reminds me a lot of a book series I’ve read several times called The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. It is based in Russia during World War II and is about a handsome soldier falling in love with a beautiful young Russian. There have been talks about a movie/tv mini series for years but so far, nothing. Kurt Seyit ve Sura has indulged the part of me that has longed to see The Bronze Horseman on screen! It really is a great series and I learned a lot about Russia’s role in WWII and also the years that followed. There are many steamy scenes throughout the series but I always felt like it was within the context of the story instead of just because they author is trying to avoid describing a real connection between the characters.

100% going to watch this. It sounds a lot like a k-drama (Korean soap opera–I’m a fan), which also lavish viewers with soooo much gazing, tears, drinking (soju, not vodka), and squeaky-clean but oh-so-dramatic romance. Coupled with occasional random cartoon sound effects and extremely pink lipstick. I love watching subtitled shows and picking up nuances of a culture and language I wouldn’t have been otherwise exposed to in one of the most fun ways possible. 🙂 Plus, romance. American media has seemed incapable of making truly romantic shows/films for a while now. Gotta go out of country for that!

I fell in love with this show as I think I may be your twin when it comes to the types of shows I watch and my interests. I also watched Love Bird. It is also Turkish and full of beautiful people and early 20th century. It is based on a classic novel. I came across Seyit and Sura in December and couldn’t watch anything else. So happy there is another soul out there that loves historical pieces as much as me.

As a huge Outlander fan, this series is perfect to fill in the gap until Outlander returns in Sept. It is a sweeping epic full of romance in addition to cultural information about Turkey, which is a country I have never given much thought to but now would love to visit. Kivanc Tatlitug as Seyit is drop-dead gorgeous and quite a fine actor and horseman. He steals every scene he is in. The cinematography is excellent and I do agree about the hair and makeup, which is much too contemporary. Although the series takes place during war time, thankfully the violence is minimal. I’m only on the 11th episode so I’m happy that I have many to look forward to.

BTW, since I started watching this series I keep thinking that the lead actor resembles another celebrity but could not put my finger on it. Then it came to me. IMHO, he is a great combination of Chris Pine, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Brady. Am I crazy?

Oh Hayley, bless you and your ability to find these gems! I too had a fascination with the Romanov family and have been equally fascinated by Russia (and the faith in Russia) through such books as Father Ciszek’s “He Leadeth Me” and Michael O’Brien’s “A Father’s Tale” both set in Russia, the former the most profound book to me faith wise and the latter a fictional but equally compelling novel. All this to say, I started this series last night and already watched more episodes than I had planned. I better be careful, this show is enchanting! Thank you and keep the suggestions coming when you find them!

My Husband and I enjoy watching the Father Brown series on Netflix although it’s nothing like this series or Downtown Abbey, and we also enjoy watching Rick Steve’s episodes. In fact, we recently watched his episodes on Turkey and the Holy Land. I’ll be intrigued to see if he’s visited Russia. Sadly, I don’t have any romantic period series like this one to recommend at the moment.

Oh my oh my…I’m on episode 4 and I’ve forgone all my stacks of books to consume this emotionally charged ridiculously romantic stunning heart wrenching gorgeous series! No commas because I’m too excited. Back to the episode. I just had to thank you for telling me about this!!! After crying over Downton and now aching for season 3 of Poldark, this will do nicely. Very nicely.

I found this wonderful series on netflex too. Along with a lot of people with a group of lots of people here. On face book I belong to Called Turkish Drama Appreciation Group . Thank You for this nice review

I found a great FB group, Kivanc Tatlitug North America. Their website, KivancTatlitugNorthAmerica.com has all his shows with English subtitles. Great discussions on the FB page, and plenty of shows to watch : )

First Turkish show I watched, only because it was a period drama. Since then, I have had the opportunity to watch other Turkish TV shows. They are all by far superior to anything offered on US TV, and much more engaging that most things on British TV. Turkey, it so happens, is the largest TV-shows exporting countries in the world after Hollywood, appealing to audiences from the Philippines to the Middle East, from Eastern Europe to Latin America — there must be a good reason for this after all…

OMG, I found Seyit and Sura several weeks ago and I’ve been begging everyone i know to watch it ever since! Kavanic is to gorgeous. He grabs me with his captivating eyes, expressions, and emotions. The actress that plays Sura is wonderful as the young, sweet, innocent girl. I also love the supporting cast as well. I want punch Petro, but he’s quite charming when he’s not plotting and the actor is quite good as well. I belong to a facebook group that the author recently joined as well. It’s Kurt Seyit and Sura (english).

Honestly, your review was on point! Found this show last month, binged every night when I tucked the kids in, drank lots of wine, shed lots of tears, fell in love with the characters, googled the real story a thousand times, and obviously downloaded the only English version of the book. Great series, great story, and great review!

Watch everything Kivanc has been in ..www.kivanctatlitugnorthamerica.com..with English subtitkes. Found on fb of same name..Kivanctatlitug northamerica. He is an amazing actor. Loved Cesur ve Guzel , he’s beyond sexy in that series. You tube has S&S also. I found on netflix by mistake
.

I loved your review! I have watched a few Turkish shows and then I came across Kurt Seyit ve Sura. I was captivated, addicted and obsessed with this show! The glamorous depiction of life in Russia to the ethnic and cozy lifestyle of Turkey, really shows what a rollercoaster their life must have been. I think Kivanc does so much justice to the character and show, his expressions and acting make you live the actual heart ache and tragedy of Seyit and Sura. I wonder how hard their life was after they parted ways, its such a shame that they lost each other. Together they went through love, loss, tradegy and emptiness only to seperate from each other in the end. It was frustrating to see them not able to solve their issues and let their love get lost in their egos and insecurities. Anyway I can ramble on about this forever! It left me heart broken and has haunted me for days. Therefore I decided to read the actual story, I found the english version of Kurt Seyit ve Sura on kobo.com. The real story is different from what is depicted in the show. If you are obsessed with them then you must read the book. Love to discuss if anyone is interested!

Just started watching 2 days ago based on a recommendation from a friend who I recommened Velvet to (which btw, if you haven’t watched, is AMAZING!!) . I’m already into episode 6. Watched 3 the first night!!

So far, I’m loving it!

Have you also watched Gran Hotel and Pardise?? If not, you should. Also both really good!

OMG I watched all 46 episodes in 3 days. I loved, loved it.
I didn’t want it to end. Maybe I should have taken more days than the 3. I just couldn’t stop watching it. Are those eyes of Kivanc really that blue? Unbelievable!!!!!!
I know I’ll be watching this again.
This is truly a romantic love story ever.

This show completely surprised me as it was historical and rather entertaining in a very different way. I agree that the lack of sex scenes somehow makes it worth watching and understanding that love exists, though we may not realize it. The casting was excellent and the costumes were impeccable! I urged others to watch it and the reception was incredible. I only wish that it were available with English subtitles so others in America could enjoy it, as well. Kivanc and Farah are unforgettable. The story ends much like some do in life, not always a happy ending, but realistic. This series was masterpiece! I would highly recommend it to anyone who wishes something worth watching!

I agree with you all – I started watching this series a few weeks ago – had a break during the hols coz internet not available – and have been binging on a few episodes a night for a week! Love ALL the characters, think Guzide’s husband is quite a dish (well he’s more my age than darling Seyit!!) and love the fascinating Turkish language. I feel thoroughly ashamed of the horrible British soldier (I’m a Brit) – were they really that sadistic? I’m on episode 25 and feeling sad that there is no second series! But on your advice I’ll give Poldark a look, although I saw the original series in the 70s and that will be hard to beat!
Great blog, Haley.
PS love Father Brown! Check out Grantchester – not bad!!

I cried my eyes out I think in every episode and finally had to quit watching it cause my heart couldn’t handle any more breaking. I understand the cultural differences and I think that is why the choices were made that broke them apart. I couldn’t watch him marry another woman so I stopped watching. I did do some research and was delighted to know it was all real and the writer was related. I wonder what it was like listening to him tell stories of his true love while being married to another woman??? And must have been told in such a way to possess the grand daughter to write her own book about it. The story is about Seyit and Sura, not Seyit and the Turkish Girl (can’t remember her name). I also appreciated the lack of sex scenes. Thank you Turkey!! I loved hating the bad guys especially Azhe. She made me very angry.

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